PrepTest 152, Section 3, Question 25
Physicists posit that at first our universe was(435 more words not shown)
The primary purpose of the(3 more words not shown)
- Adraw novel consequences(4 more words not shown)
- Bchallenge a dominant(3 more words not shown)
- Cchronicle the history(3 more words not shown)
- Dadjudicate between two(1 more words not shown)
- Egive the rationale(3 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
Use the main idea to identify what the writer is doing with it. Carroll and Chen propose that our universe arose through a fluctuation in a multiverse. The discussion then explains why the initial state needs explaining, why they favor a different larger background, and how fluctuations could connect that background to a Big Bang.
What we’re looking for
That is a presentation of the reasoning behind a theory, not just an announcement of its conclusion.
Working the answers
- A
The second law and the explanation of entropy are relevant established background. But the main job isn't to derive new consequences from that principle. The writer develops the rationale for a particular account of our universe's origin.
- B
The theory differs from treating our Big Bang as the beginning of everything. Still, the writer doesn't establish the dominance of that competing view or organize a sustained challenge to it. The focus is explaining Carroll and Chen's account.
- C
There is no history of exchanges in a dispute. We follow the development of an explanation, not competing sides arguing over time.
- D
The writer doesn't evaluate two theories and decide which one wins. A question or alternative in the background doesn't turn this presentation into an adjudication.
- ECorrect
We get the problem motivating the theory and the mechanism that makes its proposed solution intelligible. Giving those reasons is giving the rationale. This matches the whole discussion, including the entropy background and the proposed energy fluctuations.
More Main Point questions
Learn the LSAT our way
Our platform drills Main Point questions at your level and adjusts as you improve.